We apply a novel computational approach to assess, for
the first time, volcanic ash dispersal during the Campanian
Ignimbrite (Italy) super-eruption providing insights into
eruption dynamics and the impact of this gigantic event.
The method uses a 3D time-dependent computational ash
dispersion model, a set of wind fields, and more than 100
thickness measurements of the CI tephra deposit. Results
reveal that the CI eruption dispersed 250–300 km3 of ash
over 3.7 million km2. The injection of such a large
quantity of ash (and volatiles) into the atmosphere would
have caused a volcanic winter during the Heinrich Event 4,
the coldest and driest climatic episode of the Last Glacial
period. Fluorine-bearing leachate from the volcanic ash and
acid rain would have further affected food sources and
severely impacted Late Middle-Early Upper Paleolithic
groups in Southern and Eastern Europe.